Coach writing in pad

LATEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL SURVEY SEES RECORD RESPONSES

The Football Association [The FA] has today announced the record-breaking results of its latest Grassroots Football Survey.

The survey, which provides grassroots football participants with an opportunity to voice their opinions on the football provision in their county, received 30,315 responses – up from 28,750 and 30,161 in 2015/16 and 2016/17 respectively – from over 6,000 adult players, 1,000 youth players, 6,000 coaches, 3,000 referees, over 3,000 club and league officials, as well as parents, spectators and wider volunteers.

Kelly Simmons, Director of Participation and Development, said: "The third Grassroots Football Survey will continue to shape the national picture of football in England and allow

County FAs to put the thoughts and opinions of those in their area at the heart of decision making. I am delighted we have seen more engagement from participants than ever before and look forward to seeing the impact of increasingly tailored investments and services."

Headline statistics and general feedback from the latest Grassroots Football Survey include:  

  • Artificial grass pitches and pitch improvements are key areas for facilities investment
  • However, 35% of participants now find it easy to access an artificial grass pitch
  • 91% believe any form of disrespect does not belong in the game
  • All groups, except adult male players, predict participation levels will increase next season
  • 73% of participants desire greater interaction with their respective County FA

As part of the process, participants were also asked to provide personal feedback and a selection can be seen below:

A club Secretary in Guernsey said: "I have received excellent support from the GFA staff when it comes to using WGS, Full-Time for the first time this season. The GFA is in regular contact about various matters and this ensures that as a Club we are fully aware of what is required of us and what support is available."   

A female youth player responded: "The football for girls is now so much better thanks to the GFA and it has been great to see so many girls now getting involved."  

A Club Chairman added: "The staff are always very approachable and helpful and have been especially so when we started using Whole Game System this year. That was a big challenge for some of us who aren't as confident with technology but the support and training we received has helped our Club become more efficient with our time."  

The next Grassroots Football Survey will be launched in October 2018.

Wherever your interests lie, visit TheFA.com to find out how you can take part in football.